>> There’s probably not anything wrong with Russian food. It’s just hard to find in the Adler region of Sochi, where the Games are being held. There are very few indigenous stores, even fewer restaurants. So the only real options are those provided by the Olympic organizers.

In a nutshell, that means meat, potatoes, broccoli … and more meat, potatoes and broccoli. Oh, and salmon. All kinds of salmon here, presumably because of the Black Sea. All you ever hear about as it relates to Russian food is borscht. I still haven’t seen it, still don’t really know what it is. But I’ve got meat, potatoes and broccoli.

Dejan Kovacevic, a lifelong Pittsburgher, is an award-winning sports columnist for Trib Total Media covering the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Pitt and, recently, his fourth Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He also appears on WPXI-TV's 'Subway Final Word’ and hosts a weekly show on TribLIVE Radio. For 2011, he was named one of the country's top four columnists by the AP Sports Editors. For 2012, he was named one of the country's top three columnists by the National Headliners. For 2013, he was named the state's top columnist by the Keystone Press Awards and top columnist in Western Pennsylvania by the Golden Quills.

any of the other reporters giving you the stink eye, when the American coach, the Canadian Captain, and one of the Russian’s alternate captains talks to you before them. Not realizing that you have a personal relationship?

DK: Russia’s alternate captain is only speaking with the Russian media, so that theory is blown up quickly. And actually, no, there’s something of a deference as it relates to Crosby, Kunitz, Bylsma and the rest. They’ll actually want me to go first. And the reason for that isn’t courtesy but, rather, they get that the best chance for a good quote ALWAYS is one someone is comfortable with the interviewer. Trust me, I do the same thing in reverse situations.

DK: Nah. Fell asleep right away. But what I do know is that we have a full-time baseball blog. And two talented full-time baseball writers. Feel free to explore their work and the forum. This is old, man.

Nice to see Bob Nutting replacing AJ’s salary and stats…. a 31 year old career minor league Japanese player – Yao-Hsun Yang…. way to go Nutting.

Thus fare, the offseason has been a smashing (or should I say slashing) success for the Nutting wrecking crew. Cutting payroll (and therefore skill) every way they can and making lemmings believe it isn’t their fault every step of the way. Keep buying the BS and tickets Bucco fans

I just heard of the death yesterday of Jim Fregosi, who was briefly with the Pirates before leaving them in 1978 to manage the Angels. He was 71 and he was a stroke victim. May he rest in peace. Also, Ralph Waite, the patriarch on ‘The Waltons’ died yesterday at 85. That was a pretty good family show. RIP also.

The small conference team that got them last season was the Wichita State Shockers, no pun intended, who went on to the Final Four, also knocking out my Buckeyes and a few other pretenders and still undefeated and number 4 as we type.

Still baffling about not doing the QO. A QO has NEVER been accepted in MLB history. By offering that, Bucs get a pick. If it would have depressed AJ’s market so to speak, that would be a good thing……. it means AJ signs for a lower price than the $14MM.

But lets say AJ would have accepted the QO ( a first in history). Neal said he was looking to spend approx. $17 to $19MM. AJ signs for $14MM, then you try for Loney at 3 years, $7MM per year. That’s $21MM, just barely above Neal’s projections. Then, you have an offseason where you target the best pitcher on the market, and the best 1B on the market (but that isn’t saying much).

Besides, AJ, if he signs the QO……. it’s only a one year deal !!
Neal outsmarted himself……… and ended up with Edninson Volquez.

But, now we just have to wait and see if he can pick up a bargain at the end of ST, and pray Searage can help the pitchers……. Locke, Wandy, Volquez. If not, Neal won’t be the smartest man in the room by a long shot.

Since 9:30 Wednesday night, an endless loop of the Ennis shot has been shown on every sports highlights program. Biden texts Ennis (I know he is a Syracuse alum). Almost every blog rips Dixon for calling the timeout, and holding the ball the last 2 minutes.

Then there is Drew’s 5:47AM post above.
One can always tell when there is no Steelers, Penguins, or Pirates activity.
It is open season on Pitt.
Pitt played a good game against Cuse. Should have won. Played that last shot as well as could be hoped for. But it’s open season on Pitt.

So I’m watching the Olympics last night. Skeleton. They’re nuts. Katie Uhlaender, turns out she’s Ted Uhlaender’s daughter. I was all in for her until they said she’s wearing his 1972 NL Championship ring (Ted died in 2009). That of course made me think of Bob Moose and suddenly I wasn’t rooting so hard anymore. 42 years later & I’m still not over that.

But anyway, Go Get ‘Em Katie ! Hope you get the silver behind the Pikus-Pace !

A shout-out to Jim S. today, becasue I didn’t see posts addressed to me from yesterday…………………..

Jim, I can only remember winters like this in the mid 70’s. I can only remember one winter this bad in the past 35 years, 1996. I love snow, but I am so over this winter. Really. I can’t wait for summer…….. and i won’t complain one bit about the heat.

I saw you and Oshie talking about Subaru’s one day, so I got confused about who was who. I have friends who all drive Subaru’s, and then trade them in for another Subaru. Truly a loyal fanbase so to speak. And a well-built car.

Agree with your points on the Bucs yesterday. I am not going to call them deliberately cheap this offseason, but with all the extra money coming in, one has to wonder where it is going. It certainly isn’t going into payroll. Can’t go into the draft, that number is pretty much locked now. Will be interesting to see how the Bucs do in the draft this year, as they are picking like, 23rd? And drafting that low means even less $$$$$$ to spend.

Only 2 places I could see all the new revenue going to………. paying down debt, or keeping profit. Not begrudging, just can’t see anyplace else it could be going to. Being Nutting and Cooooooooooooooonelly said payroll should go up (not a guarantee), someone isn’t telling the truth, or someone should have shut up.

Met her in a bar 23 years ago! Oh my! She was sitting with a friend and watching The Simpsons. I knew it was kismet. Totally out of my league lookswise and brainswise. Hit the lottery there, I tell ya.

They are nowhere close to the best team. Not even on paper IMO.
They have a bunch of KHLers in bottom 6 and on D.
It would be like 9 AHL guys on Team USA.
Idiot politics in Russia and it will cost them.

JAL, if he was any good, he would have been bid on like Tanaka, correct?

This signing appears to be another low-risk, low-reward type of thing Neal loves to do. Hoping to get a little bit out of him, and it would be a super bonus if Searage would be able to get more out of him.

He’s gonna get it too. Best OLB after Orakpo in the class, and two years younger.

While I have my doubts about how he holds up since he’s had only one productive, healthy year…Kenan Lewis played really, really well for the Saints. Wouldnt surprise me to see him go somewhere else and rip off 10-12 sacks next year.

Kind of a damned if they do, damned if they dont situation. They have so many problems to address though, they arent addressing them all in one draft and offseason.

I don’t see how “he wouldn’t do anything differently” means that he likes getting nothing.
Right or wrong, they didn’t want to pay AJ $14 million. And I think AJ could have turned down the offer (because he hadn’t made up his mind yet if he was going to retire or not) and still ask for $14+.
And I wonder if the Phillies still don’t sign Burnett and give up their draft pick – because of Hamel’s injury. They might think that one year of AJ is worth more than that second round pick.

Thought a lot about the AJ aftermath. Even with him, I think they were/are bound to take a step back next year. Makes me wonder what else they could do with 12-16 million long term as opposed to right now.

I really think the situation was unique, with AJ’s preferences and the Phillies situation.

Reading a few Philly blogs late last night, had Aj required a pick, even a later one, I dont know if they would have done it then. Their system is a mess, from what I read. A lot of smart, intelligent responses on the Enquirer’s blog, still though Pittsburgh was the better team, and a lot less expensive.

Either way, its going to be neat to watch AJ/Byrd in Philly and Garrett Jones (for me anyway) in Miami. Woulda Coulda Shoulda?

Can you please explain why you feel that way?
I see Neal’s approach as being afraid. I am not saying go crazy signing FA’s, but his approach feels like he doesn’t want any risk at all……….. hence he won’t get any rewards.

Maybe my view is skewed by the TV money coming in, but this offseason was not good.

First, I haven’t changed anything. I have said from the beginning that the QO should have been made, and AJ should have been re-signed. How is that changing anything?

Second, you are going to guarantee that I would have b**ched if that would have been the only result of the winter? Care to explain how you know what I would have, or would not have done? Care to explain how you could “guarantee” anything?

Oh Lord, afraid? Dude, what he did ws the OPPOSITE of afraid and risk averse.

He identified a pitcher in Josh Johnson that profiles as a top of the rotation arm primed for a bounce back season that could be obtained for less than AJ Burnett. He was correct on that, as Johnson signed for only $8m. He also identified his top 1B target in James Loney and extended a fair offer that was beaten.

Two targets that could’ve had a big impact for roughly the price of Burnett alone.

The “safe” route would’ve been simply extending the QO, making all you guys happy, and settling on only getting AJ back as the only move of the off season.

If you think the Pirates had a chance at Josh Johnson, that is wishful thinking. He was going to be West Coast all the way. Pirates had no chance…………. easy to appear to make an offer when you know it has little chance of being accepted.

Offer for Loney was fair? Maybe you think so. But he sent out feelers that he wanted a 3 year deal, and Neal offered a 2 year deal. Again, wishful thinking if you think that was fair.

And again, YOU are the only one saying AJ would have been the ONLY move. He could have attempted to get AJ AND Loney.
Why you insist that getting AL would have been the only move defies logic.

Neal “tried” to spread the $$$, and failed. That isn’t bold by any means. Bold would have have been offering more to Johnson to make him want to consider going off the west coast. Bold would have been offering Loney a third year. Neither came close to happening.

I don’t think they have a choice, Brandie. They don’t have a lot of money, and even though he seemed to turn a corner in the 2nd half of the year, he is not a definite All Pro at this point. Plus, the Steelers never make guys the highest paid at their positions. Maybe the Browns will sign him.

I can’t continue to respond to you, because you are telling me COULD and LIKELY are the same thing.

Re-read what I said……… I said it could have happened. I didn’t say it was likely to happen, only Neal would know that.

This is exactly why I don’t like to engage in baseball talk on here……….. words twisted, different words given same meaning……….. don’t understand why you and others feel the need to do this. But since I disagreed with the group’s opinion, well that isn’t allowed to happen.

Oh, by the way, I am not the only person complaining about the lack of a 1B on this blog. I still say the position was a downgrade. But, I know, I am wrong for that also.

Sorry to have missed the earlier discussion on interesting Pa. town names. As anyone who has spent much time in Lancaster Co. knows, one must leave Blue Ball and pass though Intercourse to get to Paradise.

The doom and gloom is based on the fact that the offseason has been a bust so far. It COULD get better, just like it MAY NOT get better. And, as others have pointed out, the chance at an upgrade at 1B is slim…….. the remaining 1B’s available have been widely panned on here.

I’m sure to be in the minority on this blog, but I can’t get interested in the Pirates at all until the Olympics are over. Just love ‘em, and don’t get much done at home from watching all the time. That skeleton event scares the crap out of me; have no idea how they can control the sled. Love that and the related bobsled events, in addition to hockey.

PSU goes for two in a row tonight, hosting Michigan State at the Pegula Ice Arena.

Why should I have to not talk about baseball just because I don’t go along with the group??

Maybe another easy solution is for people to not twist words and insult, like you did down below. Food for thought.

I made the wrong assumption this was a blog where ideas and opinions could be exchanged. I am not trying to change your, or anyone else’s mind, but I shouldn’t have to take crap just for expressing and defending my opinion.

Worst winter in Chicago since ’79, they are saying. We were fortunately spared yesterday, but that is about the first time we’ve been spared this year, plan. I think we are already in the 65-70″ range. Contrary to what most people think, we don’t usually get a ton of snow here – except near the lake.

I think Osh mentioned he owns a Subaru when it came up awhile back, plan. I think that was why you thought of him.

You mean old since my post of yesterday? Or old since you baseball response to my valentines post this morning?

If you don’t count my AJ joke posts of the past month, in which I’m needling the overkill AJ discussion and thereby making YOUR point, I have written far far far more posts about college football than baseball for months now.

Because it, not baseball, is my favorite sport. And because it was, at the time, more topical.

But you knew that, didn’t you?

If you’re telling me want me to go to another blog, I’ll accommodate.

But let’s be honest about it. I p*ssed you off yesterday. That’s why.

I’m not one of the Twitter 60 who hounded you. I haven’t tweeted in more than a year.

I haven’t email-bombed you, either.

And more to the point, I’m not one who has posted on baseball all winter. In fact, I had hoped that my focus on, and rather detailed college football analyses added to the discussion flow around here.

So let’s be honest about why you are suggesting I blog on the other site, or play my baseball posts over there, or whatever.

Because, in reality, this started yesterday. And yet I still think it is old.

And, again, it isn’t a “woe is me” at all………. you are the one insulting, not me. Maybe you should up your maturity a bit, and not insult and cause trouble for a person who dissagrees with you?

“If it is so bad here, then why put yourself through it?”

I never knew that one defends their bad behavior by asking someone else why they accept such bad behavior. I don’t accept the bad behavior.

Was there a need to insult me today? Just because you disagree with my opinion? If you really disagree with me that much, why insult? Just skip over the post, or, repsond without insults. But that doesn’t seem to be an option, huh?

In reality Nutting (all three of them) needs to move on to selling Valentines Day cards, candy and trinkets.
Not so sure about Yang….But (as a couple people here predicted) Edinson Volquez is now firmly planted in AJ Burnett’s spot in the rotation.
Just another dog week in the Nutting Regime where you’re served Generic Bone instead of Eukanuba..…..Yech!

And now, the independent investigator says that Richie Incognito was the instigator, and that he and two others did harass and bully Jonathan Martin and another Dolphins player and an assistant trainer. And so, the truth about that is coming out.

I know there are not any great, everyday options, NMR. We have all pored over all the options, and none of them are stars.

I wanted them to make a play for Loney, and I think they did that. He chose to stay where he was comfortable for a similar deal to what the Bucs offered. I didn’t think he was worth 3 years, so I had no issue there. It’s disappointing to me that we didn’t get him, but I thought they made an intelligent effort.

Kendrys made the biggest mistake of his life by not accepting the QO. I don’t know that he can physically handle 1b for 120 games, so that is a big question. If he can, I think he would be an upgrade. I have no idea what he would cost at this point. As I have said, maybe they plan on checking back in with him when the draft pick compensation is lifted – assuming Lambo/Gaby, or whomever, is not getting it done vs RHP at that point in the season. Maybe that idea is a longshot.

Realistically, I hope they are still pursuing Smoak/Davis/Moreland during spring training. Maybe the asking prices drop to a more reasonable level – possibly a couple of decent bullpen arms. I would be more comfortable this season with any of those guys vs. RHP than I would with a rookie or Gaby. I know they are not sure things, but I think they are better options.

I know the silver bullet is not out there via trade, but I think there are alternatives. I have hope that Lambo will hit ok, but I’d like more experienced options on a team that is planning to win 90 games.

On a related note, I threw BP to a bunch of 12 year olds last night. It was only from about 30 ft, but I threw in excess of 200 pitches. Didn’t need to ice afterward. Arm feels great today. Planning on doing it again tomorrow morning. So, there’s that.

Magnificent offseason for the Nutting family once again. They don’t even have to make excuses for not spending money they promised to spend or for making the team worse than last year……. People do it for them! Brilliant!

Forgot to add, “legit 1b” maybe was not a great choice of words. But, I still think there’s time to upgrade the platoon. I also believe they will do that.

Huntington and Hurdle are probably putting the best possible face on the situation now. Maybe that is because Huntington continues to try to pry away one of the oft-mentioned likely suspects, and doesn’t want to seem too desperate which would keep the price high?

Sheesh….winter storm apocalypse of the century has come and gone. Decided to not shovel anything. Made snowmen with my young daughter all day. Glad we did. It’s 55 and sunny today. Good bye snow.

It would be so much easier for me to like some of the things the Pirates are doing if Neal Huntington never spoke another word about anything associated with the Pirates.

The Braves handed out another long extension. This time to Julio Teheran (6 year, $32M). Now there’s talk that they are trying to ink the best shortstop in the game (Andrelton Simmons) to a monster 8 year deal. I wonder what their tv deal pays them annually.

I love Joey Porter back as a coach. Everyone has their own favorite JP story. Mine is when he grabbed Warren Sapp by the throat when Sapp tried to dance through the Steelers pre game stretch lines. I think Jason Gildon was involved too.

We had one here in Pittsburgh March 13, 1993. I remember them using those exact words on the Weather Channel two days before it hit. I remember it well because I was supposed to go with a client and our wives to their Miami Office that weekend and we had tee times at Doral. I think we ended up getting 25 inches Friday into Saturday.

I still believe Jamie made exactly the right call on that last timeout, and his guys defended well. There were 4.4 seconds, and they forced a guy to make a ridiculously tough shot. The fact that he made it does not make the strategy by Jamie a bad one.

I think if he didn’t call that TO, Ennis would have gotten the ball and taken it close to 94 feet through a Pitt defense that had no plan to stop him.

Plan, i dont like what the Pirates did this offseason. But I understand it. I dont want them to spend just to spend. There should be some kind of plan.

I dont know if you saw the movie Argo, but I liked the line ” There are no good options, only bad ones. You have to pick the best one”. Thats kind of how i feel about first base for the Pirates. Maybe something else will prevent itself down the road.

AJ? Im with Jim, just not sure Philly is gonna be that good…I heard another alternative last night, that AJ says no to the qualifying offer, then waits around till after the draft to sign with somebody else (maybe even an NL Central foe if he were willing). That thing could have gone a lot of different ways.

How about Hempfield, PA? Would appear that area had to switch to a new primary crop in the early 20th century.

My grandfather was a riverboat captain. He swore by hemp rope. Grabbed all he could when towing companies switched completely to artificial (one petroleum product or another). He said the new ones snap if slack and tension put on quick, plus they were a bear to toss and catch once it got cold. Hemp was soft, stronger and much easier to work with in bad weather.

And, I can be had on the cheap, Ghost. MLB minimum, with just an invite to Bradenton. Maybe they can sweeten it with some incentives if I make the roster. You know, a couple of free drink tokens at the Bow Tie Bar. That sort of thing.

I like it. I used to love making snowmen with the kids when they were little. I’d probably love doing it with them now, except they would think I was weird.

I think the current stadium was built for the Atlanta Olympics. They probably had no choice on location. Baseball was an Olympic sport back then. I think it was replaced by Synchronized Dog Paddling, or something similar.

Wandy’s session is yet another point I have brought up about this offseason of s**k. He may, or may not pitch for the Pirates in 2014. If he doesn’t, and has to have surgery, I think the Pirates would get his salary covered by insurance.

So the rotation is as follows………

-Liriano, who had a great 2013, but has struggled for most of his career,
-Morton, who pitched well in his 1/2 of 2013, but is only one year plus removed from surgery,
-Cole, who had a great 2013, but we have to watch out for a “sophomore jinx” type of year,
-Locke, who pulled a JMac type implosion the second half of 2013,
-Volquez, yechhhhhhhhh……..
-and Juan D, who still can’t pitch, and we don’t know if he will.

Pirates have an assorment of Gomez, Taillon (if he makes it this year), etc.
I don’t feel confident about that at all.

As Bizrow the Retired always says………
“Expect the worst, but hope for the best”.

Watching the Canada hockey game a bit ago, and they mentioned that with a recent gift made, Sidney Crosby has, over time, outfitted 6,000 Pittsburgh area little kids to play hockey, from head to toe, including skates. They pointed out that many of those kids would never have been able to afford the equipment and would not be playing hockey otherwise.

I have read that also, Wild Bill. Sid is a special young man, and not just for his on-ice talents. From everything I can tell, when parents have a son they hope he grows up like Sid has. I know I hope that for my son.

I am just trying to be realistic. Too many things have to break the right way. Not saying it can’t happen, of course. But when your pitchers are injured, coming off surgery, or a head case (Locke), that doesn’t lead to much optimism.

But, you never know.
Searage is very good.
I trust him to keep the troops going.

I’d like to see them keep Worilds too but not at $8 million a year. That’s a mil for every good game he’s had in his career.

He showed some flashes when he was healthy in previous seasons. He may prove to be worth it. Unless it’s a 1-2 year contract, $8 million is quite a gamble on performance in the final 8 games of a contract year.

Could you point out where I said Liriano would be horrible? Anywhere?? I said he had a great 2013, but has struggled many other years. Does struggled equal horrible today? Are you guaranteeing he will do as well this year as last? Wow! Just can’t help yourself, can you?!

So you say pitchers are stronger after TJ surgery? Go tell that to Mr. Strasburg. I am not a doctor, so I won’t try to argue with that info, but I do know I see many pitchers that struglle after the TJ surgery. I don’t know a % that have to have it done again.

You are also going to “guarantee” Cole will do as well this year? Many rookies go thru a “sophomore jinx”, both pitchers and fielders. personally, I hope St. Louis’ players go through it.

Sorry my original post dares to disagree with the eternal optimism of the group today. I pointed out a scenario……… that’s all. I am not Nostradamus…….. I have no crystal ball…… just pointing out a cause for concern with the pitching staff.

Horrible was my word for Liriano, not yours, because that accurately describes his PAST performance. The point I have a physical reason for believing he can maintain an elite level of performance.

And it still boggles my mind that you don’t seem to understand that when others disagree with you, THEY are simply sharing THEIR opinions as well. Every time, man. No where did I guarantee anything or say you were definitely wrong. I responded to your post with facts, and that somehow offends you.

You don’t seem to understand that when you insult people and come after others, that is what constitutes a problem.

But I know, I dared disagree with you and your group.
Get over it. I really don’t know what your insults and bullying are trying to achieve……… but you won’t force ne away, so quit trying. But let me guess……. you never said that.

Look, anotehr of the “group” comes around just to tgake jabs.
Hi JD, good to see you can still contribute absolutely nothing except attack me. You want to tell me where I referenced you at all? Just another one of the group that can’t stand I don’t share your viewpoint, so you take your usual cheap shots.

You all should be so proud.
But funny thing is, JD, you are another one that tries to bully me away, and it doesn’t work for you either.
Wish you would grow up. I know, I ask a lot there, right?

Drew. I know this is a late response but nobody cares about baseball right now. The Olympics are on, the Pirates haven’t made any moves with the extra Tv money and they are going to ride out the fans loyalty to higher profits with an inferior product. I don’t care about Chris Stewart or Edinson Volquez reporting. There is 9 months out of the year to talk about the Pirates, and only 2 weeks every 4 years to talk about the Winter Olympics. Get your priorities straight. I love the Pirates as much as the next guy but a lot of blog followers can’t go a day without bringing them up, and aside from last year their hasn’t been anything positive to talk about.

I was going to stay out of this, but that is such a misinterpretation of what’s going on here, it’s comical. “Get your priorities straight?” You’re joking, right? I know Drew is, for the most part. If you reread your post, it sounds like your opinion of the Pirates influences your opinion. No one is stopping anyone from talking about the Olympics. And, if you’re paying attention, Drew prefers to talk about SEC football.

NO ONE is trying to force anyone to talk about anything. Well, except NOT to talk about baseball.
NO ONE is insisting people talk about the Pirates. It just seems to garner the most interest. Maybe a rule should be proposed, and see what happens.